A security analyst says one of the key motives for France's effective addition to the Pacific Islands Forum is to stem the impact of Fiji's Frank Bainimarama.
After years of lobbying, France has effectively become a member with the admission of its territories, New Caledonia and French Polynesia.
Don Wiseman asked Paul Buchanan of 36th Parallel Assessments why the Forum has moved this way.
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Photo: RNZI